Jerry Barta, who served the college as instructor and director of physical education
from 1956 to 1988, died October 13, in Portland, following a short illness. Barta came to Reed at the
end of what was termed "the Golden Days of Reed Athletics," when
P.E. credit was given for such things as raking leaves. He instituted a structured credit system, and
made P.E. a requirement for graduation. "A sound body
and a sound mind go hand
in hand," he said in 1967. Barta was proud of the
competitive athletic efforts
of Reed students, and of the program that responded to
the varied interests and needs of a growing student body. He also relished the humor of less-than-successful
sporting events. "At Reed, it's a
pleasure to coach, because when you lose, nobody is going to holler at you," he stated.

During his tenure, Reed's original 1913 athletic building was demolished and replaced by the
Aubrey R. Watzek Sports Center (1964). He instructed a wide range of sports, including racquetball,
golf, basketball, and bowling, which became known as "Bowling with Barta." For
the 32 years he taught and directed athletics at Reed,
he generously infused the positions with his vigor, humor, and humanity. During World Series games,
he hosted "Burgers with Barta," inviting Reedies to his home for fried hamburgers and fellowship.
Students also shared meals
on other occasions, and even did their laundry at his house.

In addition to his work
during the academic year, Barta ran the summer outdoor swim program at Reed, worked as a referee
at various sporting events, and operated ticket windows at local dog and horse racing tracks.

His national and local
associations included
membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Roman Catholic Church, and the
Multnomah Athletic Club. He was also a member of Old Goats, a local group of retired referees, coaches,
and players, who gathered to discuss highlights of their careers.

Baseball scouts were impressed by Barta's performance, while observing
him pitching for his team
at St. Stephen High School
in Portland, from which
he graduated in 1940. He entered WWII in 1942,
serving with the U.S. Coast Guard in the Pacific. In 1947, he signed with the St. Louis Browns, and
played baseball across the U.S. for eight years–attending the University of Portland off-
season–before a leg injury ended his career. Barta then worked as assistant coach
at the university (1948-51; again, 1955-56), and taught and coached at Alsea High School in Alsea,
Oregon
(1952-54). He received a
bachelor's degree in 1953,
and his master's degree in 1956, from the University
of Portland. That same year he married Janet Repanich. They had four daughters, Joanne, Julie, Joy,
and
Jill. Survivors include his wife, daughters, and four grandchildren.

In 1988, Bruce '61 and Teri Engel established the Jerome
P. Barta Scholarship, awarded to an incoming first-year
student who has demonstrated outstanding character and
academic achievement,
as well as financial need.